Starsinger
Tower was a lot larger on the inside than it appeared from the outside.
The sturdy, squat, dark steel building looked as if it were designed by
dwarves. This was in fact, the truth. The sixty foot high tower itself
was not ornate, and didn't boast any fancy stonework or bas relief
carvings, but was very similar to a plain chesspiece known as a Rook. There were times that it didn't even appear to have any windows or arrow slits, though they were
present. Usually, the only visible opening was a set of wide, banded, black
steel double doors without any type of doorbell or knocker.

From
outside, one could glimpse the four, black steel gargoyles that perched
on the tower's battlements, one facing each direction of the compass.
The gargoyles were man-sized, and it looked as if they were each clad
in fitted, adamantine armor. Woven in and out of the crenellations of
the top of the tower was a long, black, snake-like thing. It was scaled
and yet, had glossy black feathers, too. It ended in a very large,
sharp-looking stinger...like one might discover at the end of a
scorpion's tail. The end was swishing lazily over the roof's edge,
dangling down about seven or eight feet. It actually belonged to
Arienne's pet -- a Sithican wyvern named Spyke. Spyke had claimed the
top of Starsinger Tower as his nest, and the elven maiden who lived
there had no problem with that...he helped guard the outside and he was
far too large to keep him inside, so the arrangement worked out well.

When
the double doors opened and one entered the grand hall of the Tower, it
became apparent that the building was somehow magically enhanced or
enchanted. The rooms soared and were filled with exotic red and black
or black and violet tapestries. The main table was a solid slab of
black marble, surrounded by black iron-worked chairs with red velvet
cushions. Near the large main fireplace were a couple of low, glass and
black iron end tables, separated by a long, low grey suede couch. In
front of the couch was another glass and black iron coffee table. Two
other doors marked where the kitchen and one of Arienne's study rooms
was located. At regular points along the walls of the main room were
sconces which held glowing, violet orbs of Fairie Fire.

usertype:1

--------------------------------------------------------------"Not all those who wander are lost..." ~ Tolkien

Viewsk
knew the various, different sounds of Starsinger tower by heart, and
every time the locks and bolts of the great entrance double doors undid
themselves with heavy thuds and clunks, the beholder knew that his
Mistress had returned. There wasn't much that Viewsk liked better than
being around Arienne. The elf maiden had rescued and then befriended
the beholder on an adventure in Lord Soth's realm of Sithicus. When she
finally figured out a way to return to her own lands, she brought
Viewsk with her and he agreed to stay with her in her tower as a
guardian and friend. He heard the tumblers clunking and floated to the
main hallway, waiting for his favorite Lady. "ARIENNNNNNNNE!" he greeted her with a wide, toothy grin as he saw her in the doorway. "Welllllcome hoooooooome."

~ ~ ~ The Paladin of Torm merely nods his understanding of the Elven
Mages warning about her Guardian Eye Tyrant, and upon seeing one so
closely again, barely twitches in reflex response toward drawing the
Ary'Velhar'Kerym. Kur'ai merely sets the palm of his hand on the
pummel of the War Blade, awaiting direction from their Hostess. The
sight of the Beholder sparks an odd fact from his memory that he'd
learned long ago from one of the ancient Elven Sages... the Beholders
came from the same alien Twilight World as did the Grell, Aboleth and
the Ithilid. Lord Galifrey, feeling numb and slightly palsied from the
aftermath of battle fervor, moves as carefully as his aching body will
allow into the hallway, and quietly prays that the first stop would be
a steaming hot bath to wash away the accummulated filth covering every
inch of him in places he didn't want to contemplate. ~ ~ ~

Arienne gave Viewsk a small, measured smile when they all entered and led them into the main hall. "Hello, Viewsk. It's good to see you, too." Her mind was on a million different things. "Please have a seat,"
she said to the others in a tired but kind voice, indicating the large
black marble table or the couches and chairs by the fireplace. "I
will return shortly with some more healing potions. Mother, you know
where everything is, please...everyone make yourself at home." The
sylvan woman gently clasped her slim hands in front of her dark robes
and then approached the fireplace. Arienne withdrew something from a
pouch at her hourglass waist and with a few intoned arcane words, threw
it into the hearth. The logs had already been set and immediately took
the fire which sprang into existence at Arienne's bidding. Soon, the
blaze became larger and started to put off a wonderful heat that would
no doubt warm the entire room. Arienne briefly studied those gathered,
then disappeared with a light step up the spiral stairs at the right of
the large main hall.

The
beholder was observant enough to notice his mistress's mental state,
but was delighted and distracted by the elder man who had entered with
them. "MMMmmmmm," he grinned and bobbed to Leo. "Me likes to play gaaaaaames," he told him. "Me know maaaaaany games. Me know Diamondback. You want to plaaaaaaay Viewsk?"
It was clear that the beholder was excited. His smaller eyes waved
around like snakes in a snake charmer's basket and his main eye opened
even wider. "Me plaaaaay. WE PLAAAAY. In the main roooooom." He
liked Mother Siannodell, too, and floated by her, reaching out with a
long tentacled eye to stroke her arm fondly. Then he noticed that she
now only had one eye. "OOOooooooooooo, Siannodell get huuuuurt?" he asked her in his gravelly voice, his lips gnashing the way they always did when he was interested in something.

"Yes, Viewsk," she replied, her right hand going up to rub lightly at the empty socket. "We were in a horrible fight at the Temple yesterday..."Had it really been only a day?
The battle seemed to have taken weeks, and it had taken its toll on the
lovely older woman. Viewsk's bottom lip came up in a mimicked pout that
he had been practicing. "Me sorrrrrry, Siiiiiia." Viewsk's voice was genuine with care. "But it not so baaaaaad to only have one eyyyyyyyyye," he
said and smiled largely. That made the High Priestess smile too, and
she nodded, though her other eye watered some at her loss. "True enough, Viewsk."

She stood by the main table and glanced at Leopold and Lord Galifrey. "Well, since Arienne will be back soon with potions and that kind of thing, how about something to eat?" Siannodell
knew her way around a kitchen, and she had been to Arienne's tower
enough to be comfortable in the mage's cooking area. "I'll go whip something up, you gentlemen just stay put and rest for the moment," she told them. Then she also disappeared, making her way through the kitchen door and letting it close behind her.

As
soon as the door snicked closed behind her, Sia rubbed away the tears
in her left eye that had threatened to fall. She silently mourned the
loss of her other eye, but tried to have faith that it fit into
Mielikki's great plan, somehow. Perhaps she could replace it with a
fake eye at some point. Maybe Arienne might know where to find such things, she
thought. Then the sprightly older woman began to pull things from the
cabinets and drawers, mentally ticking off things she would need to
cook. Of all the wonders in Arienne's kitchen, the thing that
Siannodell liked best of all was a small barrel that sat near the cold storage pantry. It was a barrel of ever-plentiful vegetables.
The lovely cleric of Mielikki didn't understand the magic that made it
work, but one had only to envision the vegetable that one needed, reach
into the barrel, and voila! it would appear in one's hand!
And it never seemed to get empty, though Sia didn't know how to open it
to check. Instead, she simply accepted that the magic worked, and began
to prepare a feast for all of them.

Angel
made haste to Starsinger tower, flying at an incredible speed. She
soon arrived since it wasn't a long flight from the Ivory Tower and
landed just off the front entrance

Angel studdied the tower before calling out "Mistress Arienne, I request permission to enter your tower, It is I Angel Stormcrow with a message for you."

Angel
waited for Arienne to grant her access, and it was as if the tower
itself had heard her call. The door swung open at the request of the
trinity apprentence and she entered the tower looking for the beholder
guard that stood there. Like clockwork, Viewsk flew at Angel and was
ready to attack her until he realized who it was. "Missss Angellll, cccooommmee.." He said as he led her to the main room.

Angel
followed Viewsk to the main room where she saw Mother Siaonnadell, the
Monk, whom she hasn't met, and a tall elven stranger whom she has seen,
but not met. She looked at all of them and only reconizing
Siaonnadell, she rushed to her. " Mother Siaonnadell. " Angel bowed
slightly in her presence. " Where is Mistress Arienne? I must tell
her that Master Raven is awake, and for me to aid her in tending the
wounded. I brought my healers kit of potions for all if necessary."

Leopold
smiled broadly as he moved forward at the beholder's urgings.
Captivated by the scent of profit from the forthcoming game, the Monk
nonetheless caught the disparate actions of his host. When she
returned, he would see what he could do to strengthen her spirit.

Brushing
off part of the table, he settled in with a calm, beneficient mask upon
his face. In a pleasant tone, he remarked. "Do you have your own
deck? Or should we use mine?"

~
~ ~ Kur'ai watches the Tel'Quessir Maiden gesture toward the table and
chairs, and speak with the one-eyed Priestess before lighting a fire
and leaving them alone. The Arms Major, not understanding her purpose
for leaving, frowns his disapproval at this, and shakes his head,
deciding to take matters into his own hands. He catches a glimpse of
the kitchen through which Siannodell had disappeared, and follows after
her. ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ Entering the
kitchen, the Elven Knight looks over the place, noting some of the
things he'd need, and while the High Priestess fulfills her purpose,
wordlessly starts collecting them. A couple of pots to put over the
kitchen fire to heat. A cistern from which to draw water for the
pots. Several towels and wash cloths used for cleaning. Once finished
collecting what he needed, the ancient Grey Elf fills the pots with
water, and sets them over the open flames of the fire place to heat. ~
~ ~

~ ~ ~ Leaving the pots
to boil over the flames, the Paladin of Torm goes over to the kitchen
table, and removes the sheathed Ary'Velahr'Kerym Sword from his side,
laying it out on the flat surface. The next items to be removed are
his gauntlets which he neatly lays side by side on the table. With his
pale hands freed of their protective metal sheaths, Kur'ai silently
begins the slow process of undoing all the buckles, and removing his
damaged Mithril plate mail armor. Each piece of the bluish-silver
armor, the Arms Major carefully lays on the table until he finally
divests himself of the plate mail. Left wearing only his bloodied and
filth encrusted aketon (the quilted undergarment), the Elven Lord
carefully sits at the table, and starts gingerly checking out the
severity of his unhealed wounds. ~ ~ ~

Siannodell
looked up in surprise as the strange elf entered the kitchen. She was
about to ask him if she could help him with something but then
remembered that he only seemed to speak a strange dialect of elven. The
High Priestess knew the regular elven language well enough so that she
could speak to those elves who lived and came within Elmshade's
borders, but she had heard Arienne and this one talking, and could only
make out some of what was being said. So...she watched him gather various things from the cupboards and continued to prepare dinner.

As
it was cooking, she heard a soft, feminine voice coming from the other
room. Opening the door, Siannodell spied Master Stormcrow's daughter,
Angel. Sia didn't know the whole story about her, but wasn't sure how
to ask the master of the Ivory Tower about it without sounding tacky.
So she kept silent about the matter, though her curiosity was still
present. She opened the door wider and smiled at Angel. "Angel, dear, whatever are you doing here? Shouldn't you be over at the Ivory Tower with Raven?" the one-eyed woman asked, having not caught everything that Angel had said. "Oh, good!" she exclaimed upon seeing Angel's healing bag next to her and moving towards the young woman. "How wonderful that you've brought this," she said, patting the bag. "Master Leopold and the other one, there, will
both probably be very grateful for any kind of healing that you could
give them. Arienne's upstairs, getting more healing potions, I think,
but she should be back down any moment."

All
of Viewsk's eyes, including his central one, studied the monk with a
half-lidded shrewdness and his mouth closed as he bobbed closer to the
table. "Mmmmmmm," he grumbled. "Me no have cards...yet. Mistress Arienne say we get some for Viewsk, but me not have them yet."
The beholder appeared to frown, pondering this for a moment, and then
his mouth slowly turned up into a semblance of a crafty smile. "What we wager?" Then the beholder thought again. "What you name, game-player?" he asked Leopold with a grin. "Me Viewsk."

Arienne
returned a few minutes later carrying a black bag with many pockets.
She was still wearing her dark grey robes and had tied her long, silver
curls back into a loose ponytail with a leather thong. She still looked
lovely, but there was a small, pensive line in the middle of her
forehead, indicating that she had heavy issues troubling her mind. The
elf maiden sat the bag upon the large table and noticed Angel and
Siannodell speaking. She also took note of Viewsk and Leopold talking
about something, and the fact that Lord Galifrey was shedding his
armor and weapon didn't escape her sharp, pale blue gaze. Arienne
quickly glanced about the room and one slim brow raised in question as
she saw the pots and water boiling. First things first, she thought. There will be time for questions soon enough.

"I have brought some healing potions for those who need them,"
she said in an efficient, business-like tone. The mage opened the
satchel and began pulling out steel vials, laying them methodically
upon the black marble. There were six in all, and she also produced a
handful of blueberries, which she carefully placed next to the vials. "The berries are what are called Goodberries. They will refresh you and were enchanted by Siannodell's own hands, so you can trust them."

Arienne
gazed at Kurai for a long moment, then picked up two of the vials and a
berry, bringing them around to his side of the massive table. She
gently set them down in front of him and spoke with a quiet smile,
making sure his eyes met hers. Then she once more addressed him in his
own tongue. "Saesa, vasa ar' yulna. Ron nauva nauta lle. Saesa? Ale' lye tela sinome, lye nauva quena.*" As
she waited for the knight to oblige her request, Arienne's thoughtful
stare turned to the marvelous sword laying on the table. She wanted
very much to examine it, but stayed her curious hand, instead thrusting
it into a pocket.

((* "Please, eat and drink. They will help you. Please? After we are finished here, we will speak."))

Angel
listened to Siaonnadell, not saying anything about the missing eye.
She took note that she didn't hear the part about her father being
awake. She was going to speak again when she noticed that Arienne
had come back down stairs. She excused herself from the High Priestess
and went to Arienne. She waited for a break in her conversation with
the elf, and then she began.

"Mistress Arienne, I have come with extra healing potions that i have made, also I come with news of importance" She pulled Arienne to the side slightly as not to speak to loud. "
My father is awake, he has come out of his coma and wishes me to help
with the wounded, he has gone to view the damage at the temple."

Leopold
smiled as he pulled a small covered box from within his volumous
robes. Etched upon the laquered shell were runes of fortune and power.

Setting
the box lightly on the table, he turned about the room and then sat on
the northern side, motioning for the beholder to take the south.

Settling
his face into a calm, inscrutable mask, the monk spoke lightly, "I am
called Leopold, the Gambling Monk, my friend. As to wagers...." The
man spread his hand wide, "One should always venture stakes that are
suitable to the game. For Diamond back...nothing less than fortunes are
tossed upon the pile. What have you that is worth such as this?"

Taking
an ornate ring, fairly glowing with magical power, the monk sets it
next to the box. "This is a ring of regeneration, friend Viewsk...a
valuable tool of my trade."

~ ~ ~ As Arienne gazed upon the Ithil'Quessir [Moon Elf/Grey Elf]
before bringing to him the Goodberry and Healing Potions, it was fairly
evident to her from the fixated expressions of disgust and distaste on
the Elven Knight's face, as he sat fully involved at the table
critically examining his befouled state of dress and filth-encrusted
wounds, that foremost on his mind was an intense desire for a bath.
When the Elven Mage comes around to the Paladin's side of the table
setting the items down before him, Kur'ai looks up from his tender
examination of his hairless, black and blue bruised chest and the raw,
angry wound where IB's tail spike nearly skewered him clear through his
torso to the items on the table. The Arms Major then turns his gaze up
at the Maiden Tel'Quessir hesitant about imposing further upon her
hospitality, but after a momentary reticence to find the words, tells
her "Diola lle ten sinea."* Lord Galifrey then asks "Amin uuma mem naa engwar-istime, nan' umaya lye lenka lye cuena e'maink en' urra elin ar' n'nir poika lanatie?"** ~ ~ ~

Kur'ai Galifrey

Translation(‡†):* = "Thank you for these."** = "I don't mean to be rude, but could we postpone our talk in favor of a hot bath and some clean clothes?"

Viewsk's main eye grew wider and his tentacled eyes moved forward to study the ring that Leopold had placed on the table. "OOoooooooooo," the beholder crooned in admiration. "Is good ring, friend Leopold. Goooooood ring." Viewsk
floated back a little and appeared to think for a minute, chewing on
his lip and once more half-lidding his eyes in contemplation. Then his
main eye brightened as if he had an idea. "Me be back. Me go get wager for you." He grinned and floated towards the stairway, bobbing in an excited fashion.

In
a few minutes, he returned, telekinetically floating a small piece of
jewelry in front of him. He neared the table and directed the anklet so
that it dropped gently in front of the monk. It was exquisite in
craftsmanship. Made of what appeared to be solid mithril, the links in
the small chain were delicate and the clasp which held them together
was carved into the likeness of a tiny rabbit, body outstretched at a
dead run. "You liiiiiike sparklies?" the beholder asked Leopold with a very wide smile. "It goes aroooooound your foot. It will make you very FAST, friend Leopold. Make you like a raaaaaaaaaaabbit.*"
Viewsk watched to see if his wager would be acceptable to the elder
man, trying not to appear overly anxious. Beholders loved to bargain,
as a rule. And Arienne's guardian was no exception.

((*Anklet
of Haste. Enchanted to permanently bestow wearer with bonuses applied
as per Haste spell. i.e. double normal mvmnt and attack rates, -2 to
initiative. Also, wearer does not suffer aging effects due to sped up metabolism. Considered a +2 magical item, worth 20,000 gp))

Arienne smiled warmly at Angel and nodded in gratitude. "Thank
you so much for coming, Angel. I'm grateful there is someone else here
who can help heal those who need it. Mother Siannodell would, but her
spells and energy have been depleted and she needs to rest." She
gave a slight frown as Angel mentioned her father, but it changed to
one of relief at hearing the white mage of the Trinity was awake again.
"When things have been settled here, I'll go see Raven. But there are things here that must be tended first." Arienne glanced to the couch where she had laid Amagato, and motioned to his semi-conscious form. "That
one is especially hurt and needs whatever powerful aid you can give to
him. It is largely due to him that we are still alive, despite what's
happened to the Temple. If you would be so kind as to make sure he's
alright, I'll return shortly and we can talk more."

The
sorceress's attention focused once again on Kurai and her expression
immediately turned to one of abashedness at having overlooked such an
obvious need. Of course he wants to get clean! her mind chided her. He
is one your own kind, Arienne...he values cleanliness and appearance as
much as you do...you do come from nobility, too, remember?
Chastened by her guilty conscience, the beautiful mage blushed and
hurriedly asked forgiveness of the knight seated at her table. "Saesa leneema amin, heru en amin. Noweamin na sairashwe. Tula, khila amin, lle aa' magh amin sambe.*"

Arienne looked at Viewsk and Leopold and gave a half smile. "Play nice, Viewsk," she joked. "This man is another reason that all of us are here today instead of in the afterlife." Then
she turned and made her way to the stairs with a quiet swish of her
robes against the stone floor. She paused at the edge of the stairs and
turned around with a deeper, puzzled frown etched on her lovely
countenance. "Viewsk? Where are Pheral and Drannon?"
she asked the beholder. It had occurred to her that she hadn't seen the
ranger or his mount in over a day, and that was very unlike her two
live-in guests.

The beholder looked over at Arienne and his tentacled eyes drooped a little. "Me no knoooooow, Mistress," he informed her. "They leave me yesterday. Morning-time. Not say where they go. They be back soooooooon?" Viewsk's
smaller eyes lifted some and he looked hopeful. Arienne's frown only
grew more pronounced and her azure eyes flickered with concern. "I don't know, Viewsk. Let's hope so." The
elf maiden raised a delicate hand to massage her now steadily aching
head and managed to give Kurai a small, tight-lipped smile. "Saesa, khila amin.**" Then
she mounted the steps with the innate grace and silence of her race and
disappeared around the smooth corner to the upper levels of the tower...

Angel looked over where Arienne pointed to the wounded Amagato, and Angel smiled. "I have something perfect for him." Angel
walked over to the person and knelt next to the couch where he laid.
She set her healers box down and opened it, removing a small vile of a
dark blue color. " This should do it." She looks at the man, and if he is concious, ask, "Milord Amagato, this is a potion from my studies, that will heal your wounds and restore your strength with out any scars." (or if he isn't, see below)

((* If Amagato can not move or is not concious, Angel will get her cloth and start appling the vials contents to the wounds.)

(** Potion of full healing: A potion from Angel's studies, restores health to full and removes all wounds.)

The beholder's brow beetled in a heavy frown over his main eye and he thought. "Mmmmmmmmm," he
grumbled to himself. The anklet had been one of his best pieces to
offer Leopold. Since he hadn't been in Elmshade long, and hadn't had
much opportunity to bring very much with him from his home world, he
hadn't managed to collect an extensive hoarde yet. "Me have gems," he told the monk. "You liiiiike gems? Me go get and bring back, so you can seeeeeee them." True
to his word, Viewsk floated up the stairs again, following Arienne. In
a few minutes, he floated back downstairs with three exquisitely cut
gems floating in the tractor beam of his main eye. There was a
flawless, princess cut diamond (worth 10,000 gp), an oval cut ruby with two small flaws (worth 5500 gp), and a flawless, square-cut star sapphire (worth 7500 gp).

Viewsk grinned as he floated the gems over to Leopold to inspect. "These gooooooood gems," he said in his low, rough voice. "Me no know if you liiiiiike pretty gems, but me
do. Me like the way they catch light. And they gooooood to eat,
sometimes. And me told they good soooooometimes, to make magical, or to
make mind magical. You liiiiiike? They goooood enough for wager?" Again,
the beholder seemed anxious to please. In truth, since Pheral had been
gone, Viewsk had lost his 'playmate' and had been bored stiff. He was
greatly looking forward to Leopold's game.

Satisfied
that the oriental man on her couch was in capable hands, Arienne led
the way upstairs so that Kurai could take a bath. They passed the
second level of the tower, which was mostly empty except for a large,
purple velvet, tassled cushion with a round indentation in the top of
it. It was situated near one of the windows which could not be seen
from the outside of the tower. This was obviously a place where Viewsk
rested. Opposite the pillow was a huge pile of silver and platinum
coins, scattered haphazardly at the edges of the pile across the stone
floor. This was Pheral's 'hoarde' and her bed when she was at the
tower. The scalamagdrion took great delight in playing with the coins
and declared they were extremely comfortable to rest upon. There were a
few various crates and boxes around the large room, but overall it
seemed pretty empty.

Arienne's personal
chambers were at the top (third) level of the tower, and they were
lavish, as was to be expected of an elf of her nature. Half of the
large room was a combination of bedroom and bath, the other half was an
extensive laboratory, where she made her potions and performed her
research. She smiled at Kurai, allowing him to wander around a minute
as she searched a small box on her vanity for something.

As
one entered the third floor, to the left was an ornate bedroom suite
that rested on a tremendously large, exquisitely woven black rug. There
was a four-post, black iron queen-sized bed with a sheer, gauzy canopy
of purple tulle in a curtain around it. The shiek material that draped
the bed was pulled back at the posts and held by long, satiny black
tassled cords. The covers and sheets that rested on the bed appeared to
be of a black satin, with sleek, silvery piping on the edges. There
were numerous fluffy, down-filled pillows that graced the top of the
coverlets, and sitting at the end of the bed, preening herself, was one
of the strangest creatures that Kurai had probably ever seen. It
appeared at first glance, to be a black, long-haired Himalayan cat. But
this cat just happened to have a pair of small, bat-like wings, which
she was carefully grooming. The Catra, for that was what the
creature was, looked up as they entered, and regarded Lord
Gilifrey curiously with a pair of tilted, greenish-golden eyes.

At each
side of the bed were two matching, iron and glass night tables. Along
the far left wall was a long, sturdy dresser made of a deep black wood,
and matching vanity table, complete with a full-length mirror. There
was also a round, black stone tub that sat next to the mirror, with a
few bottles and towels placed carefully along the wide edge. There was
water in the tub and it continuously steamed, heated by the two,
magical polar worm stones set beneath it. It was obviously a woman’s
bedroom suite, but perhaps one that suggested a more sensual, strong
and darker side, than one of frills and lace.

The middle
of the third floor held another large rug, this one of a plush, silvery
fur. Atop this rested a long, low couch made for lounging. Its frame
was a heavy silver, decorated with small hematite and ruby etched
runes. The couch was covered with a deep, crimson velvet material and
in front of it was another low, black iron and glass coffee table. In
the exact center of this table was a square of black silk. And resting
gently on top of the silk was an extremely intricate magical item. It
was composed of a thick, heavily enchanted and runed silver and
hematite base that had been formed into the shape of a dragon’s clawed
hand. In this hand was a flawless crystal ball. The ball was dark now,
but it piqued the knight’s curiosity enough that he had to wonder what
it might show, if one were to look into it. It was clear that the couch
and the crystal ball were crafted by the same hand, and possibly even a
matched set.

To the right as one entered the third floor was a
large, complex laboratory. There were numerous shelves packed full of
small boxes, crates and bottles. Two large, wooden tables ran the
length of the wall, easily eight feet long and half again as wide. On
these tables was a myriad of laboratory equipment; beakers and flasks,
stoppered vials and bottles, a bubbler and various tubes, a globe with
an electrical field, a small generator, a mortar and pestle, pair of
bronzed scales, a funny-looking device that was, in actuality, a
microscope, a burner, tongs, scissors, masks...basically anything and
everything an alchemist/mage might need in a lab could be found in
Arienne’s tower. There were several empty cages, and also a few rows of
carefully cultivated plants near one window.

The lovely mage
found what she was looking for and brought it over to the paladin for
him to see. Draped between her fingers was a thin, silver chain with
what looked like an onyx teardrop pendant inscribed with numerous small
runes. She smiled hesitantly and with a questioning look, gently slid
the chain around his neck and clasped it. Kurai could smell the exotic
scent of jasmine and honeysuckle that Arienne's beautiful silver curls
emitted as she drew close enough to fasten the necklace. Then she
stepped back and her blue eyes sparkled charmingly. "There," she said in common. And he could understand her! "This should make it a bit easier for you to communicate with others," she explained. "It has been permanently enchanted with a 'Comprehend Languages' spell, my lord. You may borrow it as long as you like. If you intend to remain here for any length of time, you shall need it."

Siannodell
finally emerged from the kitchen again, carrying a steaming pot of
stew, which she set down in the middle of the over-sized table. The
smell coming from the large pot was tempting beyond belief and the
one-eyed priestess smiled. "Dinner is served," she
announced to those present. Then she went back into the kitchen and
returned shortly with a stack of ceramic bowls, several napkins and
wooden spoons. She set these next to the stew pot, then made another
trip to the kitchen. When she emerged from it again, she was carrying
several empty pewter goblets which she placed next to the bowls and
spoons. The elder cleric made one last trip to the kitchen and returned
again with a waterskin and a bottle of wine. Finally satisfied that she
had provided most of what everyone would need to enjoy the meal, she
began to ladle stew into the bowls.

Viewsk had drifted close
enough to examine the pot’s contents and his drool was beginning to
form a small puddle on the table. Sia rebuked him and gently but
forcibly pushed him away. "Now, Viewsk!" she said with a stern air. "Get back, you over-grown, floating eyeball. We can’t have you ruining our appetites or the stew with your drooling." the beholder frowned and pouted in a spoiled manner. "Mmmmeh!" he grunted petulantly as he floated back a hand’s breadth. "Me no ruin anything. Me huuuuuuungry, Siiiiiia," he whined. "Me get most of stew? Me big enough to neeeeed it."
It was clear that Viewsk would have gladly eaten all of the stew and
not been satisfied, and he drifted close again, barely bumping up
against the High Priestess in a playful manner. "What iiiiiiiinnnnnn it, anyway?" he asked as all of his tentacled eyes blinked and studied the ingredients as they were ladled into the bowls.

Siannodell elbowed him back again, needing room to work, and began to explain. "There
are potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, and a couple
of other vegetables. I used the two rabbits that I found in the
kitchen, and added some herbs for flavoring. It would be good if we had
some bread, but I didn’t see any." She finished filling the bowls and began to pour a glass of wine for herself. She looked at Leopold and asked, "Water or wine?" then she glanced over at Angel. "Angel, dear, come have some stew. Would you like water or wine with your dinner?"

Angel
worked the medicine on the wounds of the orential man, since he seemed
to be unable to sit up enough to drink the bottle. She heard Mother
Sia's call for dinner and she turned slightly and replied, " I will be there shortly, I just need to get this medicine on these wounds, and I will have just water, thank you." Angel said has she finished cleanning and medicating the wounds with her potions of mending (healing)

Leopold
frowned as he considered the tokens placed upon the table. Once again,
he regretfully shook his head in negation. "Viewsk....the bid must be
equal to play.." Raising an eyebrow, he once again asked, "Do you have
more to wager in the stately game of Diamondback?"

Turning
to Sia, he smiled lightly; "Wine or water...all is the same. Balanced
upon the elements of wood and water, blended with air and earth..."
Laughing, he flips a silver coin, then continues, "Wine it shall be..."

~ ~ ~ Lord Galifrey gently shakes his head, and merely waves his hand dismissing her apology, saying "N'uma, ta naa tereva. Amin sinta sut lle tyava."* Kur'ai looks at his damaged Mithril armor, and shaking his head in exasperation, mutters "Amin anta Ohtarmool."**
as he collects the Ary'Velahr'Kerym, Goodberry and Healing Potions.
The battered Elven Knight slowly stands, and normally under better
circumstance would've offered Arriene his arm as he escorted her upto
her quarters. But in light of his befouled condition, he merely
follows after the Tel'Quessir Maiden up the stairs. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ As the Slayer of Dragons passes through the second landing of the
stair case, he quickly recognizes a draconic lair when he sees and
smells one, and surmises that the Eye Tyrant also laired on this same
level of the tower, judging by the round indentation in the cushion.
It also suddenly occurs to the Paladin of Torm that he'd assumed the
Tel'Quessir Mage was of decent moral character, and in light of the Eye
Tyrant's presence and the draconic lair, gives him pause to wonder if
he'd erred in that assumption. As he moves up the stairs to the next
level, the Arms Major feels a little worried by the unusual alliance of
Guardians the Trinity Mage keeps in her care, but holds his disquiet in
check for the sake of propiety and decorum in deference to his
hostess. Afterall her behavior and decorum observed so far spoke
volumes for her character, and only further interaction would tell the
ancient Ithil'Quessir more about her. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Arriving at the third floor of the Tower, Kur'ai pauses in the
doorway, positively amazed at the luxurious accommodations of the
Mage's level, and admires the lavish furnishing of the Tel'Quessir
Maiden. The Arms Major, noticing Arienne's smile, gives her a
respectful bow, and procedes into her room as she goes in search of
something. The Paladin of Torm moves directly to where the bath tub
was positioned in the room mainly to avoid tracking any of the filth
around her room, and carefully sets the items he'd brought from
downstairs on the rim then sits beside them. He casually peruses the
room until his gaze comes to rest on the beautiful, winged, black
Himilayan Cat creature on the bed, and for several heartbeats deeply
stares into the mysterious, greenish-golden eyes before turning his
gaze upon the intriguing crystal sphere. Indeed the Elven Knight did
wonder if the crystal ball was magical in nature, and could show him
the Myth Drannor he remembered or any of his comrades who fought by his
side during of the seige by the Army of Darkness. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Staring at the crystal ball, Lord Galifrey, his pale violet
grey-blue eyes turning distant with bright sadness, grows melancholy
with the rememberances of those dark times and tragic losses, and jerks
his gaze away from the black orb, blinking back the sorrow of loss.
The Arms Major turns his gaze upon the laboratory equipment, and
precusorily studies the apparatus and paraphernalia while suppressing
the haunting memories. Kur'ai finds himself staring past the
cultivated plants out into the moonlit darkness beyond the window when
the silver-haired Mage comes over to him, pulling him back to the
present. The millenium old Grey Elf, his fair, blonde eye brows
quirking dubiously, frowns down at the onyx pendant somewhat leery of
unknown items, but then aquiesces after looking up into the smiling
blue eyes of Arienne with her scents of jasmine and honeysuckle a
pleasant change from the stench of Hell Orc filth permeating his
aketon, which would probably have to be burned. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ After a momentary hesitation, Kur'ai cranes his neck, leaning
slightly down to oblige the Elven Mage, and permits her to fasten the
chain behind his neck. Despite his injured and befouled state, the
alluring closeness of the Tel'Quessir Maiden was the Elven Paladin's
first real pleasant experience since awakening in this strange place as
he studied up close the beautiful Mage of his own people. After Arienne
finishes bestowing the onyx pendant and telling him about the item,
Kur'ai slightly bows his head to her, and then meets her gaze, saying "Diola lle. Lle naa sai nostale a'il'sinta Tel'Quessir, Arwen en amin. Nauva ronea amin quena yassen rangwa bethieamin?"*** ~ ~ ~

Kur'ai Galifrey

Translation(‡†):* = "No, it's okay. I know how you feel."** = "I need a Squire."*** = "Thank you. You are too generous to an unknown Elf, My Lady. Will those I speak with understand my words?"

Arienne's
smile didn't falter, but she blinked her eyes slowly, a little tired as
she sat next to Kurai on the side of the heavy tub. "As one of the guardians of this area, it is my job to be generous to strangers who aid us," she said with a small shrug, then looked at him directly. "And your name is not unknown to me. But to answer your question, yes, they will be able to understand you," she said softly. "And you will be able to understand them. For now..."
she paused and a small frown marred her visage as unbidden thoughts
from her own past flitted through her mind; thoughts of another man
that had bathed in her tub on a regular basis. He, too, had been a
knight of sorts...

Rising with her natural grace, she defiantly pushed those thoughts aside and continued. "But
for now, it seems that I have other things that need tending to. I
shall leave you to take your bath, my lord. Take as long as you like,
the water will stay hot." Arienne's smile returned as she indicated the Catra on the lush bed. "Mishtu is his name," she explained, and the cat looked up from his preening at the sound of his name, blinking happily at his mistress. "If
you have need of anything, simply tell him and he will relay the
message to me. There are towels at your side, and feel free to use any
of the soaps or lotions." The sorceress tilted her head to one side, watching him intently for a long minute. "When
you have disrobed, my lord, I will come back to get your clothes and
have them cleaned and waiting for you, when you are finished. Please
excuse me for now."

The mithril-haired elf made her way to the stairs and then stopped, turning around again briefly. "I
would ask that you please not touch anything in the laboratory, but
other than that, please make yourself at home. You are most welcome
here, Lord Galifrey, and may rest now. You are safe for the moment." Then she was gone; a beautiful, magical specter that came and went like the wind...

Siannodell
chuckled and poured wine for the monk and water for herself and Angel,
then sat down next to Leopold and said a quiet grace to Mielikki. She
watched the exchange between the beholder and the master fighter with
interest. The priestess had known Viewsk since Arienne had come to
Elmshade, and knew that he was unusual for one of his kind. Sia wasn't
sure how the elven mage had managed to befriend such a normally evil
creature, but figured magic was involved, perhaps a geas of some kind
or a charm that kept Viewsk's evil instincts from surfacing. In any
case, Siannodell knew that he served as an excellent guardian for
Starsinger Tower. She ate her stew in silence and began to think upon
how to rebuild the Temple.

Viewsk's eyes drooped and he frowned, frustrated. He had little
personal wealth and wanted very much to be seen as a 'worthy opponent'
and equal to the monk. "MMMmmmmmm," he pondered with a rumble. "Me no have much treasure, Leopooooold," he said. "Me
have coins, but not much magic thiiiiiiings. Hmmmmmmmm. Me ask Arienne
to give me something else for wager. Okaaaaaay? Okaaaaaay."
The beholder asked and answered before giving the elder man a chance to
respond, and quickly floated up the stairs to find his Mistress...

The
monk smiled at Sia, then spread a quintet of cards upon the table.
Each was exquisitely drawn, with the figures of either a man or a woman
upon them.

Tapping the first, Leopold smiled, "This is the
Magician...the highest card in a Diamondback Deck..." The picture of
a mage with an old, twisted staff rests in masterwork upon the
varnished parchment square. The four other cards hold the pictures of
a queen, king, priestess and priest.

"The cards are valuable only in combination." With a smile, he waits for the beholder to return.

Sia studied the cards as she ate, giving Leopold a curious smile. "I see," she
said and brought the Magician card he had pointed out closer, so that
she could examine the artwork that decorated it. It was interesting, to
say the least. "It must have taken quite awhile to produce a deck of this quality," she mused. "Do you know the artist?"

The
High Priestess slid the Magi card back and gently pulled the Priestess
card close to study it, next. The beautiful woman depicted on the card
had two healthy, blue eyes and Sia's hand went unconsciously to the
empty socket to rub it without thinking. After another couple of bites
of her stew, she pushed the Priestess card back toward the monk. "So,
even though I'm not the gambling sort, maybe you can tell me how the
game is played? The cards are valuable in combinations, as you said,
but how so? How does one 'win' the game? How many hands do you play? Why is it called Diamondback?"
Taking a drink of her water, Siannodell plied Leo with questions, truly
interested, though it was mostly because of the charming man sitting
across from her, and not because she liked card games.

Viewsk almost collided with the lovely owner of the tower on the second level as she was coming back downstairs. "Miiiiistress," he said with a lopsided smile. Again, his tentacled eyes drooped and he looked a bit dejected. "Me need a faaaaaavor," he said. Arienne blinked and regarded her friend with one raised brow. "Oh?" she asked and crossed her arms casually. Viewsk had never asked her for a favor before. This should be interesting, she thought.

"Yes," the beholder answered. "Me want to play game with friend Leopoooooold. But me not have enough to waaaaaager for his riiiiiing." The elven mage's curiosity was piqued and she patiently waited for Viewsk to say more. He did. "Me already put my special aaaaaanklet you give to Viewsk, and my sparklies as part of the waaaaager," he explained. "But friend Leopooooold say it not enough to match his riiiiing."

"Is that so?" Arienne asked with a wry smile. "It must be a very special ring, indeed, if your gems and anklet of Haste are not enough to match it as a wager. Tell me, Viewsk, what game are you playing?" The eye tyrant bobbed up and down excitedly and his central eye grew round. "Diaaaaaamondback!" he grinned. "Me no have cards yet, but friend Leo does." Arienne laughed and the melodic sound was reminiscent of soft, silver bells and waterfalls. "Of course he does," she said, uncrossing her arms. "What's the favor, Viewsk?"

The beholder managed to look sheepish...which was no small feat for such an evil-looking creature. "Ummmmmmm," he
said hesitatingly. His tentacled eyes darted around the second level
room nervously and his main eye seemed anxious to meet the sylvan
woman's crystalline gaze directly. Arienne smiled and patted the top of
his body. "Come now," she said in a sweet voice. "Out with it. Do you need a loan, Viewsk?" she asked, having already guessed what he wanted.

Viewsk looked at her and his smaller eyes all nodded in unison. "Yes," he said quietly. "Me need something else to waaaager, so me can match his riiiiing." A
slight frown crossed Arienne's delicate features and she thought for a
moment, then began to descend the stairs to the ground level with
Viewsk bobbing along silently behind her. She spoke to him over her
shoulder as she walked. "How about I find out if there is anything in particular that he's looking for, hmmmm?" she asked. "Then we'll see if I have anything that might go with what you've offered already. Besides," she continued. "I'd like to see this ring for myself. And how in the world would you even wear it, Viewsk? It's not like you could just slide it over one of your stalks."

Finally
reaching the bottom floor, the diminutive beauty padded over to where
Siannodell and Leopold were sitting at the table. She glanced over at
Angel. "Angel, aren't you eating?" she asked the young woman. Then she sniffed the stew and her mouth began to water. "Mmmmmm, it smells delicious," she said. "I take it you made this, Mother?" she asked the priestess, and Siannodell nodded with a smile. "Now...before I busy myself with eating, I'd like to see this ring that Viewsk has been going on about," she
said to Leopold. Her blue eyes danced with a craftiness that let the
monk know she would probably know the value of the ring if it were
magical. The beholder stayed somewhat behind her at first, but the
smell of the stew made his mouth start watering again and he addressed
Sia with another whine. "Me have some steeeeeeeeeew yet, Siiiiiiia?" he asked.

usertype:1 tt= 0

--------------------------------------------------------------"Not all those who wander are lost..." ~ Tolkien

Angel finished mending the wounds on the injured man, when Lady Sia set her water and stew down. " Thank you reverend mother." Angel
said with reverence. She then looked back to the unconcious man and
checked one last time to see that her potion was working it wonders.
She then heard Arienne tell her to eat up and so with a sigh of
thankfullness, Angel began to eat quietly in a corner.

~
~ ~ The Arms Major, his eyebrows slightly quirked in curiosity at
Arienne's admission of knowing his name, nods his understanding at her
explanation of the workings of the pendant, and continues listening to
her instructions about making himself at home in her plush quarters.
He nods to the Catra when the Mage introduces her familiar to him, and
lifts both eyebrows, looking dubiously at the cat creature, when She
tells him Mishtu could relay messages to her. Kur'ai takes note of the
towels, lotions and soaps indicated by the Maiden, and still thinking
about Mishtu's ability relay messages, wonders if he could also relay
images as well when Arienne mentions disrobing. The Paladin of Torm
bows to the Maiden Tel'Quessir as she takes her leave, and tells her "Please,
do not let me keep you from seeing to the hospitality of your other
guests, Milady. I thank you for you hospitality, and look forward to a
quiet moment when we can speak alone." ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ After the departure of Arienne, Lord Galifrey turns to the bath,
and sheds his aketon down to the waist before looking over at Mishtu.
The Elven Knight uses one finger point upward, making the turn around
gesture, and tells him "Mishtu, please turn about for a moment."
Kur'ai strips off the rest of his aketon, laying it on the floor, and
slips into the bath regardless of if the Catra averted its gaze or
not. The ancient Ithil'Quessir melts into the hot water, feeling all
to acutely the weight of the years on his bones, as he completely sinks
beneath the surface of the bath, and sits on the bottom of the pool,
soaking in the heat. He slows his breathing and heart rate, entering a
brief moment of Reverie to help clear his mind and focus his being on
completely relaxing his body. Almost fifteen minutes later, the
Servant of Torm slowly emerges from the water, and just as slowly sucks
in a deep breath refreshing breath. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Completely relaxed and at ease, the Arms Major picks up the Good
Berry, and pops it in his mouth, holding it there to slowly dissolve [nourishment aspect].
The Noble of Myth Drannor examines the selection of soaps, picking out
one with the scents of delicate wisteria blossom, fresh lilac and
honeysuckle, and begins carefully washing his wounds of the filth
encrusting them. Once all of his wounds are clean, Kur'ai drinks both
of the Extra-Healing Potions [HPs cured: 18 & 20],
and leans back as the magical fluids almost fully heal his wounds. The
Elven Knight turns his attention to the Ary'Velahr'Kerym, and
unsheathes the ancient Sword, who immediately exclaims "TA NA MEETIMA MEAR COIASIRA! Amin mema i'ento kinta templa megil lle san."* ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ The Elven Knight rolls his eyes, and shakes his head at the
declaration of the War Blade. He begins cleaning the flaming blade any
the filth, and tells the Long Sword "Fine. The next four magical blades are yours. Now be quiet while I clean you."
Kur'ai tends to the magical blade and its sheath, ensuring every smudge
was wiped clean before once more sheathing away the sword. The Paladin
of Torm looks over at Mishtu, and again makes the turn around gesture
toward the Catra before rising from the bathtub. He wraps one towel
about his waist, and tells the Catra "Okay, Mishtu. Please let your Mistress know I'm finished using her bath. Thank you." ~ ~ ~

Kur'ai Galifrey

Translation(‡†):* = "It's about bloody time! I want the next four magical swords your receive."

Among
all the people in Starsinger tower, and all the comotions, Angel was
the most uncontent. She could not comprehend what she had witnessed in
the past week or so, and now she was getting frightened and alittle
worried. The last time this kind of thing happened, Angel got put in
stasis. Angel worries that her father awoke her now for a bigger thing
that he isn't telling her. Now she ends up witnessing a holy woman die
in her hands no less, and watches the mighty temple fall at the mercy
of this demon. Angel trembled in fear as she took out her medic kit of
potions and examined her stash left to make sure she had enough for
anyone else who would need them, while she silently sat in the corner,
sort of away from everyone else, eating her stew. Angel has always
been sort of a loner, since all she has had around was her father Raven
and Master Freya for years.

Siannodell
was glad that Arienne had returned from upstairs, because the cleric
noticed that Angel seemed to have retreated a bit into a shell of near
silence. Sia watched the young woman methodically go through her potion
and medical kits, and take her food off to eat by herself, rather than
dining with them. Knowing that the girl had helped them in the fight
with the demonic orcs, she wondered if maybe the battle had scarred
Angel on the inside.

The High Priestess frowned
a little, also wondering if she could perhaps help Angel unburden
herself of whatever seemed to be weighing her down. Getting up from the
table and taking her water with her, Siannodell left Leopold and
Arienne to speak with the White Mage's daughter for a minute. The elder
woman approached the corner where Angel was eating and sat on the edge
of the couch. "My dear, I hope you won't think me rude," she said in a gentle voice. "But
I couldn't help but notice that you seem troubled, and not much in the
mood to socialize. I'm sure no one here would take offense, considering
the ordeal we've all just been through, but if there's something on
your mind that you'd like to talk about, Angel, I just wanted you to
know that I'm here to listen."

Mishtu seemed to ignore Kurai's request for privacy, and though he didn't turn around, he did close
his eyes. Of course, it could have been because he was sleepy. As
Arienne waited patiently for Leopold to show and explain the properties
of the marvellous ring that had so enchanted Viewsk, she received a
mental image from Mishtu and understood the feelings behind it. It
showed Lord Galifrey's worn and stained clothing in a neat pile near
the tub. The mischievous Catra slowly began to scan up the handsome
knight's damp, bare legs to the towel he had wrapped around his strong
frame, giving his mistress a tempting thought to linger upon, but then
there was darkness and Arienne felt Mishtu's good-natured chuckle in
her mind. Her familiar had closed his eyes.

The
elven sorceress smiled wickedly and licked her lips, sending Mishtu a
thought that sent the Catra scrambling from her bed and down the
stairs, although the cat-like creature tried to make it seem as if it
was in no hurry...as if leaving the room had been entirely its own
idea. Of course. He meowed at Kurai with a sassy tone and blinked once,
then padded down the stairs, swishing his fluffy black plume of a tail
behind him in the air like a feathery victory flag.

Arienne looked back at the monk and his cards. "I'm
sorry...if you'll excuse me just a moment, there's one small thing I
need to attend to. While I'm gone, perhaps you'll consider if there is
anything in particular that you might be looking for from this game,
Sir Leopold. I have collected several magical items in my travels over
the years, and can brew a number of different potions. I also have more
coins at the moment than I know what to do with yet, though half of
them belong to a friend," she said, worrying again where Pheral and Drannon might have disappeared to. "I'll be back shortly."

Lady
Starsinger was a thoughtful creature. She gathered a bowl and filled it
with some of Siannodell's delicious stew, then poured a large goblet
full of wine. With the bowl and a spoon in one hand and the wine in the
other, she climbed the steps that led back to the upper level.
Unbeknownst to her guests, the tower had a special design that allowed
the owner to teleport from one level to another within the confines of
the steel-like walls. But Arienne only used that feature when haste was
necessary. And in her magical, comfortable home, speed was not
something which Arienne particularly liked. Since she had owned the
tower, she had only used the teleport function four times. And she had
kept the tower for over seven years, now.

As she reached the landing and doorway of her bedroom chambers, she called out so that Lord Gilifrey wouldn't be surprised. "Mishtu informed me that you were finished washing,"
she said clearly, then entered the room, keeping her blue eyes averted.
She strolled to the dresser and vanity and set the wine and steaming
bowl of stew down, still not looking at him directly. "I brought you something to eat and drink, in case you're in need of refreshment," she said.

Spying
the pile of dirty clothes, Arienne picked them up and spread them out
upon her luxurious bed. Then with delicate motions and soft
incantations, she began to cast cantrips upon the clothes. The lovely
maiden's back was to Kurai and he could only study her shapely form
from behind.

The Clean and Freshen
cantrips did wonders for the condition of the clothing, and Arienne
stepped back from them once she had finished cleaning both the clothes
and her bedspread. She wore a faint frown again and sighed, running a
slender fingertip over a couple of small tears in the garments. "They need some mending," she said matter-of-factly over her shoulder, still keeping her back to him. "Are
they magical in nature? If not, then I can repair them with a spell,
but if so, the magic will repair them but it will not last."

Angel
looked up from her box of stuff as the reverned mother Siaonnadell
approched and spoke to her. Sia's words rang in Angel's head like a
bell, crystal clear and pristine. Angel just didn't know what to say,
she was burdened alot over the last few weeks. First she gets pushed
out into a world of strangers, and then she ends up fighting a demon
that she has only dreammed of, and now she witnessed a guardian die in
her arms, of course she was burdened. Now how to tell Sia her
troubles. " Reverned mother, I don't know where to begin. " The young womans voice calm and quiet as she spoke. "
I have never been out of the tower, and when the first set of
distruction happened to Elmshade, I was in stasis for a few years, only
reawakened like a month ago, and not I have witnessed my father in
distress, a holy temple destroied by a demon I have only just read
about in a history book, I watched as a holy guardian died in my arms,
and now my home in the Ivory Tower is being intruded upon by some
"savior" of my father. I don't trust this woman and I forget her name,
but something isn't right. I don't mean to be a nusance, but I think
my father sent me here to keep me from her. Reverned Mother, I think
my father plans on visiting the ruined parts of the temple, but I fear
that he will be in danger. What should I do?" Angel says as she looks back at her kit.

The
monk shook his head at Sia's question, "Unfortunately the artist is
unknown. This is an ancient deck, handed down over generations. Some
say it was one of the first decks...."

The man paused as Sia was
drawn away, her calling of Priestess taking precedence over her
curiousity. Leopold smiled and shuffled the deck lightly, his hands
folding the cards into intricate patterns, arcs and even a cascading
waterfall while he waited for Viewsk to return.

~
~ ~ Ignoring Mishtu's sassy meow and departure from the room, the
ancient Ithil'Quessir turns to the full length mirror near the bath
tub, and casually turns left then right, studying his ageless,
unchanging appearance in the reflection. The numerous scars from
terrible wounds suffered during the battles of his long life and the
last days of Myth Drannor had completely vanished during his centuries
long sleep in Reverie. Only in the depths of his pale-violet,
bluish-grey eyes, could the long centuries of the Knight's vast age be
discerned with careful scrutiny. The Arms Major notes that several of
his wounds, from when the Hell Orc constricted its muscles about his
body, were only partially healed in raw reddened bands across his back
and neck. Kur'ai opens his towel from about his waist, and quickly
examines his slender legs, reassured that no other wounds were apparent
on his body. Cinching the towel back about his waist, the Elven Lord
walks over to the Mage's vanity table, and after a quick perusal,
yields up the hairbrush for which he'd searched. With the hairbrush in
hand, the Paladin walks over to the laboratory side of the tower level,
stopping before the plants and window, and stares out at the moonlit
land and the pale starlit sky beyond the walls of the tower as he
repeatedly and slowly runs the brush through his long, platinum-white
hair. ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ As the
Tel'Quessir Maiden returns to her room, the Knight of old Myth Drannor
stares sightlessly out the window at the scenery, his thoughts far away
and distant from the physical location of his body and the spoken words
of the Lady Mage unheard. The hairbrush forgotten rests in the
Tel'Quessir's hand. The Paladin stood motionless before her collection
of plants lost in a deep introspection of his past life, hunting
Dragons, leading Armies of Elves into Battle and defending the great
city of Myth Drannor, and a contemplation of his future in these
strange lands. The Ithil'Quessir strongly felt the Pull. The Elven
Home of Evermeet was calling to him, tugging on his heartstings, to
leave the Land and Cares of Man behind and go into the West. Would the
God Torm permit him to retire from service to His Church was an equally
compelling consideration, requiring a visit to one of His Temples.
Hopefully, there was one nearby in which to find the answer. ~ ~ ~

The
Monk nodded in polite acknowledgement of Viewsk's return and Ariene's
interest in the ring he had placed upon the table. Lifting it lightly
between a pair of fingers, Leopold spoke in his soft tone.

"This
is a Ring of Regeneration, as I have said. But it is not just a mere
Ring...no...no..." Shaking his head in stern contemplation, the monk
continued, "It is of the Vampiric sort, allowing the energy released to
be captured and funelled back to it's wearer. In effect, as your foe
falls to the physical blows that you deal, the wounds that you have
received are restored."

Smiling
in a tight line, he continues, "This is usually very disheartening to
your foe, as despair sets in...it does have some limitations, as it
will not bring one back from death or restore limbs as the more
ordinary sort will. But, unlike the more ordinary, it will restore
wounds that were received while the ring was not being worn."

Leopold
spun the ring upon the table, allowing it's pure chime to sound as he
watched the multiple eyes of Viewsk for a reaction.

Arienne
had been intent upon taking care of the knight's clothes and looked up
as her question hung in silence and remained unanswered. She noted the
heavy countenance of the beautiful elven man, and her own features
softened with compassion. She turned her attention briefly back to his
clothing and cast a Mend spell upon them anyway, figuring it
would last a little while, even if the garments proved magical. Having
done all she could at the moment for his clothes, the lovely mage
decided to help their owner if she was able.

Taking
the stack of clothing with her, she approached Kurai and stood silently
at his side, watching his eyes with interest. Finally, she laid a soft
hand upon his shoulder, not wanting to startle him out of his reverie. "You're a million leagues away," she commented in her melodic voice. "I recognize that look, you know," she continued. "I have felt the draw of the West, myself, since having come here to Elmshade." Her
sapphire eyes sought his own so that he could see that she did, indeed,
understand. Deciding to change the subject, she held up the neat pile
of clothing. "Good as new," she informed him with a smile.

"Now
that you've bathed and supped, if you'd like to rest before we talk,
you may do so on my bed. Mishtu usually claims it as his, but don't let
that bother you. He won't bother you. I must return downstairs for the
moment." Her eyes sparkled with an amused cast. "Viewsk has entered into a game and needs me to help him cover the wager. The monk has quite an interesting magical ring, it seems." Something
flickered in her gaze at the mention of magic items, and she looked
around the room for the exquisite sword that Lord Galifrey possessed.
The questions about it rushed to her mind but she quelled them for the
moment, knowing that the knight had enough on his mind already, without
having to satisfy her curiosity, too.

Viewsk did indeed seem intrigued, not only by the spinning of the shiny ring, but because he knew
that it was a rare magical find that Leopold was offering as a wager.
He chewed on his lips as his stalks and main eye followed the ring’s
dance with interest. "How you get this riiiing, friend Leopooooold?" he asked the man with his voice like rocks. "You win it in a gaaaame?"
The beholder smiled widely again and blinked his central eye once as he
waited for Arienne to get back. Some of his eye-stalks became
side-tracked by the stew pot again, and he began drooling. Mother
Siannodell hadn’t answered him when he asked about eating, and
considering that everyone else had eaten, Viewsk decided he was entitled to the rest. After all, he was the only one who hadn’t
had his dinner yet. Justifying his behavior to himself, he lifted the
pot with his telekinetic powers and floated it over to his waiting maw.
Then he used his eye-stalks to position it and dumped it down his
throat without a second thought. "MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm,"
he commented after he had swallowed, and licked his dripping lips with
a thick, black tongue. His main eye winced guiltily a few seconds later
when Sia’s voice rang out in reproach.

"Viewsk! What are you doing?! Now look, nobody else will be able to eat anymore because you’re such a pig! Just wait until Arienne hears about this!" The cleric had turned on the low couch that she occupied with Angel and was shaking her head in disappointment. "You know better than that," she
said, and then turned her attention back to the young woman nearby. Sia
laid a gentle hand on her shoulder and gave a heavy sigh. She really
wasn’t sure what to say to Angel. She wanted to help the girl, but Sia
felt her own faith and hope that things would turn out alright had
recently been severely tested. "You’re not a nuisance, Angel," she told her at length. "And
if you think Raven sent you here to keep you safe, then maybe the best
thing to do would be to stay here for now and respect his wishes." Siannodell shifted on the seat and took a drink of her water. "The things that have happened recently have been enough to test all of us," she continued in a soft voice, laden with care. "But we mustn’t give up, Angel. Mielikki has a plan, and although we may not see it clearly, it doesn’t mean that it’s not a good
plan. I know all of this must seem terribly strange to you, my dear.
But I’m here. And Arienne is here to help, as she can. As for the woman
in your father’s tower, I haven’t met her yet, so I don’t know what to
tell you of her."

Angel looked at the reverend mother with a slight smile. "
Your right Reverend Mother, I should just have faith, now then, maybe I
have something in here that can restore that eye of yours. I know I
made that potion of restoration from my father's book in here
somewhere." Angel says as she starts reading her potion bottle lables, searching for her restoration potion liquid.

~
~ ~ At the warm gentle touch of the Tel'Quessir Maiden's hand on his
shoulder, Lord Galifrey slightly shivers his pale skin tautens up into
goose flesh beneath her finger tips, and slowly blinks, returning his
distant thoughts to the present moment. The ancient Ithil'Quessir
turns his pale-violet grey blue eyes upon beautiful Elven Mage, and
after she mentions the West, sofly tells her "I'm lost, adrift and without time, place or purpose. Strongly do I feel the need to go into the West." Kur'ai looks down at his freshly cleaned and repaired aketon, and wanely smiles at her, saying "Thank you, for these." trading the hairbrush for the garments from Arienne. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ The Elven Knight shakes out the folded garments, examining the
repairs Arienne's magic had made to them, and further shows his
appreciation with a bow to her, sardonically saying "I
sure hope there are some fine tailors in this town of yours otherwise
I'm going to have a fairly limited wardrobe in which to dress myself." The Arms Major takes the aketon behind the dressing partition, and while he dons the garment, tells Arienne "Thank
you, but no, I feel fine aside from a little soreness. And if my
suspicions are even remotely correct, I've been resting for a very long
time. Your Eye-Tyrant likes to gamble, how strange." The Noble
of Old Myth Drannor steps out from behind the dressing screen, tying
off the drawstrings to his pants, and returns the Elven Mage, picking
up both the bowl of stew, cup of wine and the Ary'Velahr'Kerym from
where he'd left it. Kur'ai, slides the War Blade through the ties
before offering Arienne his cleanly dressed arm, and asking "Shall we return to your other guests?" ~ ~ ~

Watching
the spinning golden ring, Leopold was about to reply to Viewsk's
question when the beholder was admonished. A light chuckle escaped
the monk before he spoke to the creature.

"Ah...one can never
escape the ringing commands of a house mother. At least you have eaten
well, Viewsk...that should take some of the sting out of the reprimand."

Sighing,
Leopold frowns as he listens to the conversations, then speaks quietly,
"As well as we were tested, many of the powers that I utilized will
require a week's rest to restore. And we need that time to concoct the
potions, poultices and weapons needed to combat any more foes of that
demonic caliber."

Shaking his head, the monk smiled briefly at
the Beholder, "The tale is long and involved...but it started when I
was being chased by the Avatar of Gruumsh across the plains of Gehenna."

Settling in for a long tale, the Monk looks about for another goblet of wine.

Siannodell shook her head and laid a soft hand on Angel’s arm as she was searching through her bag. "No, my dear," she told her with a saddened expression. "It
won’t do any good, I’m afraid. I’d thought of doing the same thing, but
it seems to be Mielikki’s will that I give up an eye for Her." The priestess forced a faint smile. "If that is all she requires of me, then I count myself lucky. But thank you for the thought, Angel. You have a good heart."
Sia took another drink of her water and set the glass down, turning to
look over the back of the low couch at Leopold. She nodded at his
words. "Yes, you’re absolutely right, Leopold. I
don’t know if there will be more demons like the ones we faced, but I’d
rather be prepared in case there are. If the Weremacht’s involved, I’d
bet that lovely ring of yours that there will be more attacks on the village." She looked at Angel again. "What sort of potions can you make, my dear? Can you help make the potions and poultices we might need?"

Viewsk didn’t feel guilty for long. "BLUHHHhhhhhhhhh!" he belched and grinned immediately afterwards. "Mmmm...stew gooooooood. Pot not taste so goooood. But Viewsk feel MUCH better now." Sia favored him with a disgusted look that made him chuckle. "Heh heh hehhhhhh.....my compliments to the coooook,"
he told her with an exaggerated wink of an eye-stalk. Sia just rolled
her good eye, shook her head to herself and focused on what Angel was
saying again. The beholder bobbed with interest when Leo mentioned the
Orcish God and other planes. "OHHhhhhhh..." he remarked, floating closer with curiosity. "Now THAT sound like a goooooood stoooory," he said in his rough, grating voice. "You tell?" he asked the monk politely.

Arienne quickly debated how much to explain to Lord Galifrey about exactly
where and when he was at the moment. She knew by his admission that he
already suspected that he wasn’t in his own time, but it might be more
than he could or would be able to bear at the present if she were to
tell him the truth. Arienne had adventured in the ruined elven city
from whence Kur’ai hailed. She knew his name because she had studied
the ancient writings salvaged from the wreck of that once beautiful
city. The lore had been considered ancient at the time she had studied them...and that had
been close to a century ago. The sorceress decided that silence on the
issue was perhaps a better choice for now. Arienne simply nodded her
understanding and acknowledgment of what he must be feeling. Not
wanting to burden the handsome, well-mannered elf’s mind more than it
already was, she gladly accepted his proffered arm and accompanied him
downstairs. They returned to the main hall just in time to hear
Viewsk’s thundering burp and his subsequent remarks.

The
silver-haired beauty glanced around and immediately noticed that the
stew pot was missing. She knew the beholder well enough to speculate
where it might have ended up, and the mage uttered a rueful sigh.
Viewsk was a good guardian for her tower, and she didn’t doubt his
loyalty to her in the slightest, but he certainly tried her patience at
times. "EXCUSE YOU," she
said from behind the floating eye tyrant after clearing her throat. All
of Viewsk’s stalks whipped around in surprise and meekly lowered until
they touched his fat body. Then he slowly rotated until his main eye
was facing his mistress. Arienne had gently slipped her arm from the
knight’s and crossed them both over her chest, looking at the beholder
with a stern expression. "Care to explain where dinner went, Viewsk?" she asked in a sardonic tone.

The
beholder’s expression turned contrite and he gave the elven woman his
best "lost puppy" look....which was rather amusing, considering how
many eyes he had to work with. "Uh...." he started. "Uhhhhhh...we alllllllll ate some," he
said with a bright smile, knowing the answer wasn’t what Arienne was
expecting, but trying to stay out of trouble. The ploy didn’t work as
well as he hoped, but Arienne had too much on her mind at the moment to
pursue the matter. Instead, she turned to Leopold, Kur’ai and Angel and
gave them a somewhat embarrassed smile. "Please forgive his manners," she asked of them. "I haven’t had time to tend to his etiquette training yet." She noticed that Leo’s goblet was empty and took it upon herself to refill it from one of the skins on the table.

Angel reguarded Siaonadell's words with a solomn interest. " I understand reverend mother." She
then looked back around, making sure that she didn't miss someone, and
realized that she didn't give Mistress Arienne anything, she goes to
give her one, but Sia speaks to her once again. " Reverend
mother, I can make almost anything if I have a recipe for it, some I
can make from memory, like some cures and heals and poision removers.
I can even make numbing and sleeping potions, but the major cure ones,
like this full cure potion, that removes all scars and heals the
strength back, I have to have the recipie for."

(tbc by anyone in tower)

(Message edited by Arienne On 11/25/2008 8:20 PM)

usertype:1 tt= 0

--------------------------------------------------------------"Not all those who wander are lost..." ~ Tolkien

~
~ ~ Kur'ai gives a dubious frown at the possibility of even training
the Beholder to behave in a MORE civilized manner beyond what it had
already displayed thus far in their recent socializings. He descends
down to floor level, and walks past the others gathered in the Mage's
Tower to the fireplace. The Paladin of Torm sets the bowl of stew and
glass of wine upon the mantle of the fireplace, and turns to the
others, carefully studying each of them without the distraction and
stress of battle interferring. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Looking at the young woman (Angel), the Elven Lord remembers seeing
her as the battle raged with the Hell Orc, and notes her affinity for
magicks. Turning his gaze upon the aged, careworn woman who'd lost her
eye in the battle with demon, the Servant of Torm discerns the beauty
of the High Priestess she possessed in her youth and how her years of
service dedicated to her diety had bestowed upon her an imperturbable
serennity. The Ithil'Quessir shifts his gaze over to the strange,
white-haired human, whose unusual manner of fighting was a curiosity to
the Elven Knight, who'd never seen such mystical skills before in his
long life. All good people his senses told him, but still strangers to
the Defender of Myth Drannor. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ No longer the powerful Paladin of the time preceding the Fall of
Myth Drannor, the Elven Knight still resolutely steps forward, keeping
the fireplace behind him, and following proper etiquette takes charge,
crisply announcing in lyrical Elven translated into Common "Please give me your attention. Now that we've all had a chance to refresh ourselves, it's time for proper introductions."
Kur'ai looks over the congregation making sure everyone's attention was
on him, and once certain that was the case, introduces himself, saying "I am Kur'ai, Lord of House Galifrey, Arms Major of Myth Drannor, Paladin of Torm the Defender."
The Elven Lord slightly bows to the assemblage, and turns toward the
white-haired, human Warrior, whom he'd fought beside against the Demon
Orc, for him to go next in the round of introductions. ~ ~ ~

Angel
listened as Lord Galifrey made his introduction and decided that she as
well should introduce herself. She stands and bows to the Paladin and
smiles. " Greetings Lord Galifrey, I am Angel Moonsinger,
White Wizard apprentence to the Ivory Tower. It is an honor to meet
you, and welcome you to our home here in Elmshade." She then takes out a small blue bottle and approches him, " Please accept this gift as my welcome to you." (tbc by anyone in tower)*
The bottle is one of the full heal bottles she gave to everyone else.
1/3rd of a drink will fully remove all scars and heal strength.*

Viewsk
eye-balled the strange elf and thought to himself that he reminded him
of Mistress Arienne. Maybe it was the pale hair or the bluish eyes.
He'd seen other elves since being in Elmshade, but none of them had
ever looked like Arienne. Until now. He didn't understand the
intricacies of etiquette, and didn't understand that he should have
waited for the monk to introduce himself first. He floated forward a
little and said, "I Viewsk. Since you a Loooooord, you have a
castle? You have gooooold? You a magic user, toooooo? You want to
plaaaaaay a gaaaaame?" he asked in his gravelly voice. It was
clear that the beholder was full of curiosity for this elf who reminded
him so much of his Mistress.

Mother Siannodell had politely given the knight her attention and blinked incredulously as he introduced himself. She had heard of the famous, ancient ruined city and wondered that there were
even any elves who still defended it. She had thought it abandoned long
ago to the monsters and creatures who inhabited the wilds around it.
Sia turned her eye to Arienne with a questioning look, her puzzlement
obvious. Arienne met her gaze and shook her head once, the movement
being so minute as to be almost indiscernable. But it was enough.
Siannodell understood not to ask questions at the moment. Instead, she
politely waited for Leopold to introduce himself. Then she would
explain who she was to Lord Galifrey.

Leopold
rose and smiled quietly before speaking to the newcomer. "I am
Leopold, Master of Winter, of the Order of the Crane. Some call me the
Gambling Monk, but I prefer to be known as the master of diamondback."

He paused, waiting for the group to settle into a routine before starting his story once more.

The
priestess looked from the monk she had already grown quite fond of, to
the elven knight who looked so poised and yet, so lost. The expression
she wore was contemplative, and Sia wondered for the thousandth time at
the strange age in which they were all living. Then she spoke in her
mild, comforting voice. Again, she looked from Leopold to Kur'ai. "Both of you are far from home and were still willing to help us, virtual strangers, defend against minions from the Abyss." She bowed her head to each in turn. "I can't begin to find the words to thank you both. If it is Mielikki's will, you will both be rewarded as we can raise the funds."

Sia looked down at her lap for a moment in thought and then back to Kur'ai, meeting his gaze with her one, good eye. "Welcome,
Lord Galifrey. I am High Priestess Siannodell Orindes, formerly of the
Temple of the Alliance of the Faiths here in Elmshade, devotee of Her
Almighty Green-ness, Mielikki. I've been here in Elmshade for many,
many years now, and I have to say that there is no other place in the
realms where I would rather live. But lately, our small village has
been plagued by troubles that none should ever have to endure."

Forcing a smile, she looked back at Leopold. "I just wanted you to know that you're always welcome at the Temple and in Elmshade, as long as I'm around. We will rebuild the temple again...someday. Maybe you can enlighten us, though, on the best way to fight such demonic foes, if they come back? You seemed to do pretty well against those we fought."

Arienne
listened as the others introduced themselves and she took a temporary
seat on the arm of the low couch. She watched Leopold with interest,
glad that he had come to Mother Siannodell's aid when he had. The elven
sorceress knew that Viewsk would pester her to death until she came up
with an appropriate wager for their game, and she was silently betting
that whatever treasure she gave, the 'master of diamondback' would
probably walk away with it fair and square. But that didn't matter,
because Arienne knew that his help had been invaluable in defeating the
demons, and so nothing she could give him would equal the lives he had
helped to save. She considered offering him more, just to enlist his
future help when the Weremacht's minions returned. For she was certain
they would return...it was just a matter of when.

Her
attention shifted to Sia as the priestess spoke, and then to Kur'ai.
Arienne again debated how much to reveal to the knight, unsure of what
his reaction might be. She wanted him to stay, too, equally
as certain that his fighting prowess would be necessary to ward off
future attacks on the village. The fact that the demons had attacked
the Temple, which had already been destroyed once before, worried her
more than she admitted. If we had that much trouble defending the sturdy, solid Temple from only two enemies...how can we ever hope to defend any of the village from other attacks which might involve many more enemies? Her sharp mind kept turning the problem over, approaching it from different angles, and she still had no solution.

Pushing
her frustration to the back of her mind for the sake of propriety, she
looked at Lord Galifrey as Siannodell finished speaking. "And I am Arienne Starsinger," she began in her smooth, melodic voice. "One
of the three mages of the Trinity which guards Elmshade. The other two
Trinity members are Raven and Silvara. You can see their respective
towers close by." The lovely sylvan woman kept her arms crossed
over her chest and tried to muster a faint smile, although she felt
tired and stressed. "I'd like to echo Mother Siannodell's words," she told him and then also turned towards Leo. "You
are both very welcome here, and we thank you for the tremendous aid you
have already bestowed upon us. Any future help will be greatly
appreciated, though I should warn you: the foes we may face in the
coming days may very well spell our doom. I fear that far greater trials than those we recently conquered await us."

She glanced at Angel with a sober expression. "I
have several useful potion and salve recipes. I'll need all your help
in preparing them, Angel. And soon we must call upon your father and
Silvara to help us, as well." Finally, Arienne fell silent again, as Mishtu came gliding down the stairs, his bat wings spread wide. "Mrrrrow," he
said in Catra language. He landed, then padded over to Arienne and
jumped up into her lap, purring loudly. She looked down at her
familiar with an affectionate smile, and began to pet him.

~
~ ~ With a slight frown marring his brow and his lips thinly compressed
together in disapproval, the Elven Lord turns from the long, white
bearded man to the one who calls herself Angel Moonsinger, and holds in
check his rebuke of the young woman's breach of etiquette, reminding
himself that he was a stranger to this place. This was NOT Myth
Drannor nor the Court Assembly of Noble Houses. The Arms Major
releases the annoyance and affront he felt towards the woman, who in
all likelihood was untrained in matters of etiquette, and relaxes his
expression, returning Angel's bow with a deep nod of his head to her.
Kur'ai uncertainly looks down at the small blue bottle, resolving to
ask her later what is in it, and in his crisp tenor voice, tells her "Thank you, Lady Moonsinger." before returning his attention back to the Monk. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Awaiting the skilled Master's introduction, the Paladin of Torm
agains compresses his lips thinly together in annoyance at yet another
interruption from a completely predictable source... the Beholder
Viewsk. Lord Galifrey schools his expression to keep the annoyance he
felt from showing, and as rapidly as the Eye Tyrant asks questions
fires the answer back, sharply saying "No, I..." reluctant to admit the loss of Myth Drannor "HAVE
a city. No, gold is worthless. Only life is valuable. No, I am Arms
Major... Commander of the Army of the Ahk'Velahr of Myth Drannor. No,
I have questions that must be answered, and must see to my armor."
The Elven Knight turns his attention from curious Beholder back to
Leopold, holding his angst in check at the possibility of Torm forbid
another interruption. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ At last, the Master of Winter, to whom the initial honor and
respect of first introduction was extended, gave up his name to which
the Elven Lord bowed much more fully to the man out of respect for his
combat skills against the Demon Orc. "I am most
honored to meet you, Master Diamondback. Your skills at unarmed combat
are most impressive. I am please you did not fall during the battle."
intones the Arms Major, before turning his attention to Siannodell, the
next most worthy of honor and respect in the round of introductions
having also fought beside him. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Carefully watching the elderly High Priestess, the ancient
Ithil'Quessir makes a barely perceptible nod, when She confirms one of
his suspicions about him being far from Myth Drannor, and after She
finishes speaking to Leopold, clears his throat before solemnly
apologizing "High Priestess, I will accept no
reward, and please accept my sincere regrets over the loss of your
acolyte. I'm sorry I could not save her as I did the other member of
your clergy. May her spirity find peace with the Goddess Mielikki." Kur'ai bows to the Servant of Mielikki before turning his attention to the Mistress of the Tower. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ After Arienne makes them feel welcomed to Elmshade, Lord Galifrey
bows to the Mage, and discerning her tired state, tells her "Thank
you, Lady Starsinger. In deference to the events of the day, the
lateness of the hour and your guests, let us speak, with your approval,
of other matters on the morrow." ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Kur'ai takes bowl of stew from the mantle, and samples some of it,
lifting both pale eyebrows mildly surprised and approving of the flavor
and who cooked the food. He raises the bowl to Siannodell in approval
of her meal, and finishes off contents before taking a sip of the
wine. The Elven Knight carries the bowl over to the main table, and
takes a seat to relax while sipping from his wine glass before
attending to his armor. ~ ~ ~

Leopold
nodded to all within the chamber, then spoke softly as if considering
the future, "It is true that the demons we faced were formidable...but
they suffered at a disadvantage..they were not at home within
the celestrial bureacuarcy."

Nodding to himself, he looked at
each person within the chamber and then continued in a wistful tone,
"It will be a pleasure to forestall their arrivals....but we must first
gather the strength for such a confrontation...purify our intent, wills
and spirits through practice, mediation and ritual."

Rising, he
bows lightly and smiled curiously, as if hinting of things beyond the
knowledge of the group, "Where might one such as I find rest
undistrubed? I find the need to contemplate the best way to defeat
these visitors from the nether hells....one would surmise that divine
aid would be forthcoming yet again in the form of dreams, omens and
prophecies."

With a chuckle, the monk corrected the arms major,
"I am Leopold, though if you wish to utilize my title, I am a Master of
Winter. Though who can said to master the elements of nature?
Perhaps, Winter's Companion would be better?"

He looks at Sia
and speaks but a phrase, "Commune with Nature" and then to Arienne,
"Legend Lore"; before finishing, "Power is oft utilized in different
forms, much like the waters of winter."

usertype:1 tt= 0

--------------------------------------------------------------"Not all those who wander are lost..." ~ Tolkien

Angel
looked at the paladin as he seemed to kind of stare at her with a weird
distrust or something. She brushed it off and smiled as he accepted
her healing potion. She then turned to look at Arienne as she spoke to
her. Angel nodded with a slight bow. " Yes Mistress Arienne, I will help you with whatever you need."
Angel then went and packed her potion and herb kit and waited. She
watched in silence as everyone talked. Unsure of herself as a wizard,
and more concerned for the health of her father, than anything.

Sia smiled at Leopold's words. "Yes," she agreed. "I
must go speak with the Goddess to discover what her plans for me might
be. You are wise, Leo. However, I'll do that tomorrow morning. Right
now, I need some sleep."

The
thought ran through Arienne's mind that it was high time she made a
place in her tower in case she ever had guests sleep over. Used to
living alone, the beautiful elf had never had to worry much about
visitors staying the night. She had only concerned herself with her
familiar, her guardians....well, and Pheral and Drannon, too, she thought. But Pheral was dragon-kin and didn't need a bed. And Drannon, her ranger-friend, had used Pheral as his bed, curling up against her scaly hide...so the need for a spare bedroom had never arisen. Until now.

"I'm sorry that I don't have a spare bedroom,"
she said with an apologetic tone to all of them. A slight flush
accompanied the words, as she felt embarrassed by admitting such a
thing. "I know that most people have at least one extra bed, in case they have company, but I...I so rarely have guests, you see." Her
delicate hands spread out as she talked, trying to help her explain why
she was lacking in what was usually a fundamental for nobles. They don't know you're noble, though, Arie, her conscience reminded her.

"However,
I do know a spell that will create a wonderful place for all of you to
spend the night. But I must create it outside of the tower, so it does
not disrupt the energies of my home. If you're ready, please follow
me." The sorceress smiled at them and led them outside to the
lee side of her tower, where there was a small, open field of lush
grass before the orchard began. Arienne looked up at the starry sky and
took a deep, cleansing breath. The smile she gave them next was more
genuine, less tired.

She concentrated her
will and energy and began to cast her magic. The wind picked up a bit
and blew her long, mithril curls around her softly pointed face. As she
spoke the archaic syllables, the others could feel the magical energies
building and it almost felt like there was a static electricity in the
air around her.

Within a few minutes, an
ornate set of double doors appeared in the air before them. It was made
of mahogany with ivory inlays and brass handles. "One Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion, at your service," she smiled with a bow. "It will last many hours, and I will awaken you all before the spell expires," Arienne explained. "Please," she said, opening one of the doors. "Make yourselves at home and sleep well. We can all talk on the morrow, if it suits."

~
~ ~ The Paladin of Torm neatly gathers up his loose armor from the
table into an organized pile easily carried, and follows after the
others outside. He watches with interest as Arienne works her
summoning magic to bring forth a place for them to stay. The Elven
Lord, having seen this magic performed long ago in his past, nods
impressed at the Tel'Quessir Maiden's ability to work such powerful
magics, and at the doorway, quietly tells her "Your
arcane knowledge is great. I've only known a few of the akh'faern whose
skill at the Art were able to work such powerful spells." Kur'ai allows the others to precede him into the mansion before entering himself. ~ ~ ~

Angel sees the mansion and then smiles at Mistess Arienne.
" Thank you for the offer, but I think I need to get home. I have work
to do and items to study. If you need me mistress, you know how to
call." Angel gathers her things and then with a wave of her
hand, summons a crystal staff with a shimmering moon shaped saphfire
stone on top, and then prepairs to take off the the Ivory Tower, saying
her good byes.

Leopold
smiles as the group prepares to enter the summoned abode. With a light
bow, he speaks to Angel before she departs, "May the four winds blow
behind you, speeding you on to your hearth."

Turning
after he wished their companion a safe journey, the Monk frowned
lightly and spoke, "Shouldn't we warn those who venture within about
the dangers of unfolding nexus points while in such a structure?"
Laughing lightly, he contjnues, "I do not relish venturing to Gehenna
at the moment."

Arienne smiled away the compliment given her by the handsome paladin, casting her sapphire eyes down demurely. "Thank you," she said in a humble voice. Then she nodded at Angel's words. "I
understand, Angel. If you would be so kind as to let Raven know that I
need to speak with him soon, if he's up to it, I would appreciate it.
I'll also need your help in preparing those things we spoke of earlier.
When all is ready, I shall call you, or send a messenger. Thank you for
coming by to let me know how things fare at the Ivory Tower. The coming
days will be telling if we are all prepared or not." The sorceress then turned her attention to Leopold as Viewsk came floating outside behind them all.

"No gaaaaaaame?" he
whined plaintively. It was a curious sight, indeed, to see a beholder
pout. His larger-than-life mouth made the expression quite amusing. His
eyestalks drooped as he sulked. Arienne gave the eye tyrant a patient
smile and said, "They need rest, Viewsk. Perhaps you can game tomorrow, alright?" Viewsk was clearly non-plussed with the idea, but he knew better than to press the issue. "Mehhhhhh," he
growled and floated back inside, muttering to himself with
disappointment. Arienne watched him go and shook her head, then looked
at the monk again.

"Ah, you're right. Thank you. I'm glad you reminded me." The elf looked at Leopold, Siannodell and Kurai. "The
mansion will last approximately 15 hours, but as I said, I will awaken
you before the spell expires. There are a couple of things you need to
be aware of, as Leopold has so kindly reminded me. First," she said, holding up one slender finger. "Be sure you
don't open any kind of extra-dimensional spaces like portable holes,
warp marbles, dimension doors, rope tricks...you know, anything that
leads directly or indirectly to another plane, space or
dimension. Doing this inside the mansion will cause a rip in the
continuum, and who knows where you will end up."

Holding the door open invitingly, Arienne continued. "Secondly,
the food inside is very good, but it isn't real, so whatever you eat
inside, it will seem to sustain you while in the mansion. But know that
you still need real food to nourish you. I'll make breakfast or lunch
for everyone tomorrow, so you needn't worry about that. Lastly, you
will not be disturbed, and may come and go as you like, though I would
recommend staying inside for the remainder of the night. Now, I bid you
all good dreaming and ask you to make yourselves at home. The servants
inside will attend you, if you like. I shall return on the morrow and
wake you. If there is nothing else, I will retire to the tower for the
night." She waited for everyone to enter and began mentally
running through the list of things she had to accomplish during the
night as her guests slept.

((OOC: For those unfamiliar with Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion, here is the spell explanation:

By means of this spell, the wizard conjurcs up an extradimensional
dwelling, entrance to which can be gained only at a single point of
space on the plane from which the spell was cast. For the entry
point, those creatures observing the area see only a faint shimmering
in the air, in an area four feet wide and eight feet high. The caster
ot the spell controls entry to the mansion, and the portal is shut and
made invisible behind him when he enters. He may open it again from his
own side at will.

Once observers have
passed beyond the entrance, they behold a magnificent foyer and
numerous chambers beyond. The place is furnished and contains
sufficient foodstuffs to serve a nine-course banquet to as
many dozens of people as the spellcaster has levels of experience.
There is a staff of near transparent servants, liveried and obedient,
there to wait upon all who enter. The atmosphere is clean, fresh, and
warm. Since the place can be entered only through its special
portal, outside conditions do not affect the mansion, nor do conditions
inside it pass to the plane beyond.

Rest
and relaxation within the place is normal, but the food is not. It
seems excellent and quite filling as long as one is within the place.
Once outside, however, its effects disappear immediately, and if those
resting have not eaten real food within a reasonable time span,
ravenous hunger strikes. Failure to eat normal food immediately results
in the onset of fatigue or starvation penalties as decided by the DM.The
material components of this spell are a miniature portal carved from
ivory, a small piece of polished marble, and a tiny silver
spoon. These are utterly destroyed when the spell is cast. (It is worth
mentioning that this spell has been used in conjunction with a normal
portal, as well as with illusion magic. There is evidence that the
design and interior of the space created can be altered to suit the
caster's wishes.)

usertype:1 tt= 0

--------------------------------------------------------------"Not all those who wander are lost..." ~ Tolkien

~ ~ ~ "Torm's Protection upon you, and a pleasant evening, Mi'Lady Starsinger."
quietly intones the Elven Lord, cordially bowing to the Elven
Enchantress, before retiring within the Mansion. Kur'ai, having no
inclinations whatsoever toward sleep, resolutely walks into the lavish
living room, his voice commandingly rings off the walls as he orders of
the servants, "Light a fire in the hearth.
Bring me hot water in several buckets, towels, coarse brushes and an
armor stand for platemail. Pour me a glass of Elverquisst." and
fluidly sits in one of the plush, high-backed leather chairs,
stretching his legs out before him crossed at the ankles. The Paladin
of Torm sets the bundle of his Mithril plate mail beside him on the
floor, and absently stares into the darkened fire place, waiting for
the servants carry out his commands. ~ ~ ~

Leopold
smiled quietly to Arienne as he moved within the spacious mansion.
Taking slow strides that nonetheless eat up the distance with
surprising quickness, the Monk moved into a chamber.

With
the ease of long practice, he settled onto the floor, folding his legs
into the standard meditative position and promptly focused his mind and
body on rejevenation and restoration.

It
would take almost a week before he was completely balanced within his
Ki, but then they might not have a week. One could only hope that the
demons were sufficiently displaced to allow them the time.

Arienne gave another slight smile to the paladin, though it didn't reach her worried eyes. "Thank you, and to you as well, Lord Galifrey," she
responded. Siannodell hadn't accompanied them inside and took the mage
aside to whisper to her for a moment before entering the mansion.
Arienne nodded her understanding and gently shut the doors to the spell
as the High Priestess entered and sank into one of the numerous plush
chairs around the fireplace, drawing her legs up into the chair as she
had done as a child.

Within moments of Kurai's
requests, the ariel servants had lit a roaring fire, and brought three
steaming buckets of water hot enough to scald, a large stack of
fluffy, white towels, three heavy scouring brushes made of boars'
bristles and a heavy wooden stand strong enough to support the weight
of his armor. Yet another servant wisped over to him with an
expensive-looking silver goblet of Everquisst resting on a silver tray
and set it down on the small table near where the elven lord reclined.
It hovered for a few seconds more, waiting to see if there was anything
else required of it.

Siannodell gave a quiet
request of the shifting air-form near her and it soon brought her a
wine goblet, as well, though hers contained only normal red wine. She
thanked the servant and watched the dancing flames of the fire with her
good eye, lost in thought as she sipped from her cup.

Arienne
returned to her tower and she, too, felt in need of a strong drink to
take the edge off of her thoughts. She soon had her own goblet and
retired to her room upstairs. Saying the command word that opened the
trap door in the roof, she floated up with her ring and landed near a
mass of shiny, black feathers.

Spyke was soon
snuffling at her and drawing her close to him with his long, leathery
tail. Arienne gave a heavy sigh and leaned against the massive Sithican
wyvern, enjoying the musky scent and heat he emitted. "I do not understand why things work as they do," she confided to her pet. "I have no explanation for the events that have been set in motion, my friend. Nor am I likely to discover them anytime soon."
Arienne settled in closer to the wyvern and took a drink. Her blue eyes
studied the night sky with sadness, watching the stars as they wheeled
in their never-ending cosmic dance. "I have no desire to sing to them these days, Spyke. The recent troubles have taken precedence over pleasurable activities...." Again, the sorceress sighed and took another sip from her goblet. "I fear we shall not have the power to defeat them if they return, my friend. Thank the Gods that Raven is alright..." She stroked the wyvern's smooth snout as he softly breathed on her, crooning to her in an almost inaudible purr.

After
about an hour, she descended to her room again and noticed that the
Dias sphere was blinking, meaning that Raven or Silvara had called a
meeting. Feeling too drained to answer in person, Arienne settled onto
the couch at the center of her bedroom and relaxed, placing one
delicate hand on the crystal ball and closing her eyes. Immediately, a
ghostly image of her appeared at the dias, but no one was there. The
ghost frowned and set off in search of one of the other Trinity Mages.
She found Raven sitting quietly near the temple.

~
~ ~ After a moment of quiet introspection, the Elven Lord reaches over,
taking the goblet of Elverquisst, and holds it up before the flames of
the fire place, examining the color of the drink before sniffing at its
fragrance. Lord Galifrey then sips of the exquisite Elven drink, and
nods his approval of its flavor. The ancient Ithil'Quessir tells the
hovering servant, "Bring a canvas drop cloth, a sword stand and keep my glass filled with Elverquisst." and sits up in the leather chair, laying the Ary'Velhar'Kerym on the endtable next to his right elbow. ~ ~ ~

~
~ ~ Once those items are brought, Kur'ai slides the War Blade free of
its bejeweled sheath, and sets it in the sword stand to its mental
haranguings 'Manke naa lye sii'? Mani naa
sina yamen'? Uma lle lemba amin n'e en i' essakwentra, AU'? Amin
sinta tanya naa lad engwaristima! Ya naa i'edainme? Mani naa lye auta
um, sii?'* The Paladin of Torm
heavily sighs at the mental barrage, buffeting his inner ear, and
slides the first bucket of hot water over before him, while mentally
answering 'A mansion of magic. Yes.
Siannodell, a High Priestess to Mielikki. I'm going to clean your
scabbard, my armor, find out if the High Priestess knows where the
nearest Temple of Torm is located, find out if the armor can be
repaired here, try to find my shield and other weapons in the ruins,
find out if Torm will gift unto me a new steed, find out what has
happened to Myth Drannor, find out where and who rules over the
Tel'Quessir, travel to wherever the Temple of Torm is, find out from
the Priests if He will release me from his service to go into the West,
AND UNLESS there is NO good reason for me to remain in this realm,
travel to those who rule over the Tel'Quessir for passage into the
West. That about covers it.' to which the Long Sword, nonpulsed replies 'Aiya.'**
then falls silent. After explaining all those things, the Elven Lord
looks up from his work on the Mithril platemail, and in his lilting
aristorcratic tenor, asks "High Priestess, your pardon, where might I find the nearest Temple to Torm?"[Waterdeep, Sundabar] ~ ~ ~

Kur'ai Galifrey

Translation(‡†):* = 'Where
are we now? What is this place? Did you leave me out of the
introductions, AGAIN? You know that's just rude. Who's the woman? What
are we going to do NOW?'** = 'Oh.'

Siannodell
turned from watching the flames' dance and regarded the elven knight
thoughtfully. She took a drink before answering him, her voice quiet
with an underlying anxiousness. "Lord Galifrey, the closest temple to Torm that I'm aware
of lies in Waterdeep or Sundabar. They're not terribly distant for one
prepared to make the journey, but even on horse you probably wouldn't
arrive in less than four or five days." She paused and smiled at him, taking in the picture of his armor and sword and the calm that he always seemed to exude. "Your faith must be very strong," she remarked with a tone of admiration. "I'd like to thank you again, M'Lord, for your help at the temple. I don't think we would have survived without your aid." The one-eyed priestess turned her thoughts back to the fireplace and finished off her wine. Then with a soft-spoken "Good night",she
left Kurai to his own thoughts and found a room that would suffice
until Lady Arienne woke them the next morning. As she sank down in the
plush feather bed, Siannodell prayed to Mielikki that she would somehow
find the answers she sought the next morning. "And let us all find peace soon, Great Mother," she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.